Gardeners' Notes:

I found several Black Chokeberry shrubs about 4 feet high planted in a narrow strip between a sidewalk and drive close to a bank, that formerly had a bowling alley building there in the west suburbs of Chicago, IL. I am assuming that they are a cultivar for a cultivated landscape and that it is 'Autumn Magic' because the other most common cultivar from Chicagoland Grows is about 3 feet high being 'Iroquois Beauty'. Once again it is a handsome shrub with good foliage, fall color, flowers, and clean in habit. This species is sought out by some food companies for the juice from its black berries that are full of anti-oxidants. One can make money by growing them in a farming way.

Planted 2 last August in a partly sunny location under dappled afternoon sun. Both were rather leggy and under-leafed when I purchased them from a local nursery. Both have profuse flowers this springy nicely and leaves have filled in very nicely.

Pretty flowers and beautiful Fall color, but make sure the shrubs are not near where you walk because the berries really stain. Also, the profusion of berries can cause extreme drooping of the the branches.